Barts Best of: The most wonderful addresses in Greece (for the kids, but also for yourself)
You either love it... Or you love it. Then it will pass Greece. Sunny Southern European country on the Mediterranean Sea, dotted with dozens of Greek islands. And it is precisely those islands that are ideally suited for a holiday-with-the-kidsp. Because always sun guarantee. And island life also (almost) always means a bit of wind. Perfect holiday weather if you ask us. For those who are still unfamiliar with Greece: expect the nicest people ever. More ouzos in every restaurant (but of course they are not for the kids).
Yes, the Greek holiday dream exists, and the name is Sani. Sani Resort. And within that Greek Sani Paradise, there are five different accommodation options. That's where it gets complicated, or at least that's what we thought. First of all: the Sani Resort can be found in Halkidiki, Greece. That is not an island but Greek mainland. Almost from the mainland to be precise. Or well: Halkidiki consists of a piece of mainland and two of a club of three islands. In any case, it is important to remember that you are flying to Thessaloniki.
The Sani Resort has five hotels (which are actually resorts within the resort): Sani Club, Sani Beach, Sani Dunes, Porto Sani and Sani Asterias. And then there's Sani Marina. You can't stay there, but it is certainly one of the nicest parts of the resort: it is the port of Sani and it is just as impressive as that of, say, St. Tropez. If you have to choose (and you must), then know that Club the most fun is with really small kids, Beach has something for everyone, and Porto for the bigger kids. Asterias is for the happy few, and although Sani is 100% everywhere kids and family proof Dunes is the chicest and therefore the most 'adults only'.
Everyone knows: time passes (too) quickly, holidays are invariably too short, and the Greek sun is warm, cheap and does a person good. We can't do anything about it either. And you can enjoy that Greek sun Ekies Resort, an old acquaintance for us and not without reason. Don't let the name put you off, this isn't a dime a dozen resort full of over-enthusiastic entertainment and food that's just, well, gross. No, this small-scale hotel (small swimming pool, small private beach) takes a completely different approach.
Ekies proves that having children does not mean that your holidays have to be solely about them: adults can have fun too (an enlightened inspiration, we know). The size of the resort (small) makes it nice and clear and child-friendly. There is a playground, a bit hidden away, which is perfect, the rooms are equipped with a playpen or cot if you want, and the same applies to high chairs in the restaurant. If you make a reservation you can eat on the jetty in the evening, between the torches. Just a movie.
Be pampered in the spa, but take half a day, it's worth it. But if you fancy a little more action, explore the area. The beach of Halkidiki seems to have been taken from the website of a travel agency, so beautiful. And to top it all off, the resort is also eco-friendly, so leave that guilt at home.
Zakynthos, or colloquially 'Zante' (which sounds even more beautiful) is perhaps the Menorca among the Ionian Islands. Wonderfully small, everything is well organized and the beaches are generally easy to navigate the smaller kids. Dotted around the island are small villages, some only three streets in size, olive groves on the left and steep but breathtaking cliffs on the right. Your route to one of the countless beaches will probably look exactly like this. Because that is what you go to Zakytnhos for: the beautiful beaches, one even more beautiful than the other.
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Dionysios and Maria had a daughter, Leeda, and subsequently named her after this beautiful place. Oh no, it was the other way around, but you'd almost think the opposite was true. The Greek island of Zakynthos itself is not a bad place to be, but on the way to Leeda's Village you see olive trees as far as the eye can see and you know you are in the right place. The love radiates and the owners know what they are doing. The paradise is only a fifteen minute drive from the airport, which is very nice.
A joint barbecue is organized twice a week, which is the perfect time for the kids to make friends and for you to have a glass of wine. No, if you don't like children you shouldn't be here... Sleeping also has to happen, and that is possible in one of the spacious villas. With a private swimming pool, own vegetable garden and kitchen, you will lack nothing. There is also a swimming pool available to everyone, with a paddling pool for the little ones.
The grounds are full of olive, orange and lemon trees. (If you come at the right time of year, you can even help make olive oil.) Also on site is Leeda's Restaurant, where you can eat fresh ingredients from Leeda's gardens. It's close to the beach, so of course you should spend a day there too. It should be clear: this village belongs to Leeda, but you are very welcome.
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If 2020 is anything (haha, okay, 2020 is a lot but okay, you get the point), then it is the year of the safari tent. Man oh man did we love it. An accommodation doesn't get more photogenic and the sturdy, luxurious glamping-style tents combine the best of both worlds: camping because that's what the kids like versus a smart and cozy look because that's important to mom and dad.
In the case of it Agrikies Country Retreat These tents are located in an olive grove of no less than 12.000 square meters. Without fooling around. Enough space for a playground here and there, a swimming pool, some BBQ spots and shelter and shade areas for everyone. And yet the place remains small-scale and intimate everywhere. Win-win.
The third win goes to the location: you will find Agrikies Country Retreat in the Peloponnese area. The Greek mainland. That also makes the place good to visit for a car holiday, for example, and road tripping has never been more beautiful!
besides the facts that it is, without a doubt, the largest Greek island and also one of the most visited (but that is for a number of good reasons: sun, sea, beach, Greek villages, food and much, much more), is Crete just damn beautiful. May be said. We – and a lot of us – sees it'and Crete.
Where we do distinguish ourselves from the rest of the hordes of Crete visitors is that we are especially fond of the secret places that are still undiscovered by most. Tips from locals, the real ones hidden gems, and here you can read them: Crete.
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Throw great interior, family-friendly, top service and hands-on experience together and you get Ammos Hotel. You will find this beautiful pearl in the northwest of Crete. A real boutique hotel, where children are super-mega-hugely welcome. Well, that's exactly what we're looking for.
Ammos Hotel feels like a mini resort, because it only has 33 rooms and super friendly staff. When you enter the colorful, minimalist hotel you immediately feel like you're coming home. If coming home – at least – means chilling on the Aegean Sea with a sandy beach, outdoor pool and delicious (Greek) food all day long. We can live with that!
Family above all. And Ammos knows that like no other. There is plenty of entertainment for the kids. From building sand castles and swimming in the sea to enjoying ice cream and watching a movie in the kids' game room. In terms of studios and suites: nice and fresh, clean and minimalist decorated with enough space. Are you with a little one? Ammos provides baby chairs, beds, wipes and even sterilizers for bottles plus a blender for snacks. Douze points!
Holiday is ahead quality time with the family, relaxation and fun. However, a holiday abroad, in this case the Greek island of Crete, can still cause quite a bit of stress (you know: missed flight, lost suitcase). Bee Domes Zeen Chania they make all your (often unnecessary) worries disappear like snow in the sun. Literally, because the sun shines brightly in this beautiful spot. And with the sun on your head you can enjoy real familyfun at family resort Domes Zeen.
There are about five accommodations at the resort, where you can relax with kids, some even with a private swimming pool! The minimalist design - with natural materials, earthy tones - of the rooms ensures peace and cleanliness (you have to take care of it yourself regularly). The entertainment of the kids has also been taken into account with the special ones kids club. This club is for their eyes only. And a true fairytale (no, not one of those animation ones), because being here. safe playgrounds, a swimming pool and activities. In short, the perfect spot to make friends and play for hours.
Perhaps one of the oldest houses in Markandonata, Kefalonia. It LimeHouse is a completely renovated sixteenth-century building with white walls, wooden shutters and a pink door. You can dine, chill and swim in the private pool in two places. Very nice from the outside, but also from the inside.
When you step over the threshold, you enter a white, but colorful interior. Prints, wood, paintings, flowers, marble. Nice and eclectic, shall we say. There is enough (sitting) space and sleeping space for 6-8 people. The swimming pool is for the kids the place to be. Would you rather swim in the sea? Also possible! It is about a five-minute walk to the beach.
